The Tech Council of Maryland (TCM) and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce today launched www.FightTheTechTax.com a new web site created in response to the six percent Computer Services Sales Tax recently passed in the Maryland General Assembly. The site includes numerous resources for technology companies seeking information on what they can do to repeal the tax.
The Computer Services Sales Tax has been levied against a broad range of Maryland technology services, including computer system planning to design, data recovery, and information storage. If not repealed, the tax is set to go into effect July 1, 2008. Opponents say the tech tax will hit small businesses and growing companies the hardest because they stand to lose business as well as growth opportunities. In addition, the tax will be an administrative nightmare. Other states such as Florida, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania have all repealed similar computer services sales taxes for a number of reasons including the administrative burden such taxes have imposed.
“This tax is very troublesome,” said Julie Coons, Chief Executive Officer of TCM. “If Maryland, which has a huge technology sector, passes this tax, other states are likely to follow. Technology companies throughout the nation are watching Maryland.”
“Innovative technologies fuel business growth and job creation,” said Kathy Snyder, President and CEO of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. “Regardless of company size or industry sector, Maryland businesses rely on computer services. This tax will harm Maryland’s economic development goal of maintaining a high-tech knowledge economy and workforce.”
The web site features talking points, frequently asked questions, blogs and advice on how to defeat the tax. The site also encourages those affected to contact their legislators and gives tips on the best way voice their concerns.
TCM and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce and more than 30 organizations, such as AOL, CPSI, and numerous local business organizations to fight the tax. Those interested in how Maryland is taxing its technology companies should go to www.FightTheTechTax.com.
The Tech Council of Maryland (TCM) is Maryland's largest technology trade association providing its 500 plus members access to technology industry leaders in Maryland, DC and Virginia. TCM has two divisions (Tech Alliance and MdBio), which provide valuable resources and benefits to help businesses succeed. The Tech Alliance serves the advanced technology community and MdBio serves the Maryland biotechnology community. TCM helps the region's technology organizations by offering networking events, cost saving programs, and advocacy initiatives.
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit coalition of 850 businesses who employ more than 422,000 people in the state. Its mission is to maximize opportunities for its members and their employees to grow and prosper